Reading the Highland Villager #202

[A Villager occupying a handicapped spot at the Trader Joe's.]

[Basically the problem is that the best source of Saint Paul streets & sidewalks news is the Highland Villager, a very fine and historical newspaper. This wouldn't be a problem, except that its not available online. You basically have to live in or frequent Saint Paul to read it. Until this newspaper goes online, sidewalk information must be set free. See also: Three Reasons Why I Re-Blog the Highland Villager.]


Headline: Housing projects proposed for pair of Summit-U sites; Rezonings sought for Boy Scout, Morning Star Church properties
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The old one-story Boy Scout headquarters is probably going to become apartments, and the old one-story church and huge parking lot is probably going to become apartments and maybe a coffee shop or something. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking.


Headline: BZA denies student rental on Marshall Ave.; Landlord neglected to file proper paperwork
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A house that had college students renting it can no longer have college students rent it because the landlord did not register the house, according to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).


Headline: Parking ban proposed as part of Lexington bikeway extension
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The county is resurfacing part of Lexington and [because almost nobody uses the on-street parking there] they are planning on putting in a bike lane. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking, but some like the idea of slowing cars down. [At a committee meeting I attended, I learned the 80% percentile speed here was 38 miles per hour, which is too high. Reducing speeds to non-fatal levels should be a priority for design decisions.] Article includes quote from local bicyclist: "I see bicycles on the street daily." [He is perhaps staring at a reflection of himself in a nearby car window?] There will also be new "zebra-style" crosswalk and traffic signals.


Headline: Legislative wish lists released by city, county, school district
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Local governments are asking the state for lots of things that they probably won't get. Saint Paul's list includes local control issues. Ramsey County's list includes funding for public safety stuff.


Headline: Henningson tapped as Ward 4's interim City Council member; Two candidates emerge for special election to fill out Stark's four-year term
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: CM Stark took a job in the Mayor's office, so his assistant took over. Two woman are running for the office  [with a third also announced since then], and the election will be in August.


Headline: BZA lays over stadium sign variance requests
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The new soccer stadium may or may not get to erect large vinyl signs along their construction fences, depending on what the BZA decides. They also wnat a permanent sign on the stadium grounds. The latter sign might light up.


Headline: Council denies neighbors' appeal of Marshall apartments site plan; Appeal hinged on errors in staff reports, Planning Commission decision
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An apartment building will be allowed to proceed on Marshall Avenue. Neighbors were very concerned about neighborhood character and heights. Quote from developer: I think St. Paul really needs some new, fresh housing options."


Headline: St. Paul widens scope of its rental rehab loan program
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city gives loans to landlords who apply for them to fix up their properties. It hasn't been working too well, so the City is expanding it and making some other tweaks.


Headline: Proposed streetcar on West 7th St. proceeds to public hearing Feb. 20
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There will be a meeting about the potential streetcar on or near West 7th. Quote from woman: "I'm extremely disappointed that the Planning Commission has recommended an alternative without any public hearing." [This particular person attended the Commission meeting with a sign. For the record, the Commission does not have public hearings in cases like this that are simple resolutions. We have hearings for zoning and planning cases. The City Council does have public hearings, however.]


Headline: City scrambling to address shortage in senior housing
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Saint Paul needs more homes for old people [as well as young people and middle-aged people]. There was a meeting to talk about it. Quote from aging expert: "Senior centrs are going the way of the mastodon." [Sounds fun!]